"I was appalled and dismayed to hear about the despicable act in my hometown. It's a great shock. My commiserations go to the families and next-of-kin of the victims," said Rudi Völler, sporting managing director at Bayer 04, who was born and grew up in the city in Hessen. "Everything indicates it was a racist incident. I believe it's always important to show our true colours when this issue comes up. Hate, violence and racism are abhorrent to us."
Bayer 04 and FC Porto will wear black armbands at the BayArena tonight for the victims in Hahnau. There will also be one minute's silence.
In glorious sunshine and temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, the Bayer 04 Women have begun their preparations for the new season. With a relaxed first session at the Kurtekotten training centre, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team became the first Bundesliga side to resume training after a 37-day break.
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Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.
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Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Portugal U21 international Afonso Moreira. The 21-year-old winger joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique Lyon on a contract to 30 June 2031. In France last year, the left-winger made 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League, scoring a total of eight goals and providing eleven assists.
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